The story of Filomena, an example of achievement at Casa Guatemala

She arrived without knowing how to read or write, and suffering from serious health problems. Today she is healthy, happy and an exemplary student who dreams of becoming a police officer

The Casa Guatemala project, supported by Fundación MAPFRE, provides nutritional care and education to 1,300 boys and girls in situations of extreme poverty in Río Dulce. One of the beneficiaries of this program is Filomena, who arrived at Casa Guatemala in 2012.

At only 12 years old, Filomena was in charge of caring for her three younger siblings. When she arrived at Casa Guatemala she couldn’t speak, read or write Spanish. Her family found that this project offered the best option for providing Filomena and her siblings with an education, medical service and a complete diet.

Shortly after beginning her education at Casa Guatemala, Filomena experienced serious health problems and had to be hospitalized. Casa Guatemala took responsibility for her care, and had her transferred to the capital so that she could continue studying while she received her medical treatment.

After she recovered, she returned to Río Dulce and continued studying. Today she is an exemplary student and is confident that she will achieve her dream of becoming a police officer.

“I dream of being happy, of graduating and becoming a police officer so that I can help those who helped me,” states this 17-year-old, an example to all the girls of her community.